This long weekend, you need to stay in Canberra—and this is why
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With Canberra Day fast approaching, many Canberrans will be beginning to pack their bags and plan weekend getaways. However, with so much happening, THIS is the weekend to stay in your beloved capital!
Why? Because from food and drink to special events (think an adults-only party featuring a ball pit—yes really—Canberra’s first Pride Weekend, markets, and more), there’s plenty to see and do around town.
Eat your way around town (because you’ll have an extra day to recover)
Department of Pizza x Assembly
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Dreaming about wood-fired pizzas and a cold brew from Assembly’s beer garden? The People’s Pub are partnering with the Department of Pizza for one day only. And honestly a Sunday spent eating a slice of fresh pizza, with live music and a refreshing beverage is the best way to spend a long weekend.
Sunday 1 March, 4 pm until late | Assembly, 11 Lonsdale Street Braddon | Book here.
The Jetty Canberra
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Do you love cocktails, Bentspoke Beer, local wines, Fricken Chicken, live music, and lake views? If you’re sitting there nodding your head, then the Jetty is perfect for you. Situated alongside Lake Burley Griffin, The Jetty Canberra is set up in a picturesque, fairy-lit marquee. Family friendly and first date approved.
Wednesday to Sunday, 7 am until late | Queen Elizabeth Terrace | thejettycbr.com
BentSpoke Beer Garden
The BentSpoke Beer Garden is ideal for anyone looking for a garden party style venue. Serving craft brews and food from local vendors, this place is perfect for large groups who can’t decide where to eat (guilty). Some tasty food options on offer include Grease Monkey, Jarochos (V, VG), The Meat Wizard (GF) and Tikka Stand (GF, V, VG).
Friday 3 until Monday 13 March, 5 pm – 11 pm | John Dunmore Lang Place | enlightencanberra.com
Street Food Live
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Canberra has welcomed Australia’s largest food festival! And honestly, what better way to mark Canberra’s birthday than with waffles, ice cream, and cookies? Head along for food trucks and gourmet stalls and stay for digital art and creative installations.
Friday 3 until Monday 13 March, 5 pm – 11 pm | Parkes Place West Lawns | enlightencanberra.com
Make time for some all-round amazing attractions
Sound and Fury
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Is this Canberra’s best free party? Sound and Fury, is back this weekend. Sound and Fury melds performance art, theatre, live music, dancing, DJs, and ball pits (yes, ball pits) into one outrageously fun 18+ night across the playground that is the Dairy Road precinct.
Sunday 12 March, from 7 pm | 1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick | facebook.com/events
Ascent
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Why travel across the boarder when the Sydney Dance Company has brought the show right to your doorstep? Ascent is replete with physicality and presents a futuristic balance between contemporary dance and modern experimentation. A must see this weekend!
Thursday 9 until Saturday 11 March | Canberra Theatre Centre | Book here.
National Sheepdog Trial Championships
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The capital is celebrating its 80th year of the Sheepdog Trials ! Each three-obstacle race will last approximately 15 minutes and is sure to bring a smile to your face…because…sheepdogs. Enjoy this iconic day, surrounded by man’s best friend. Oh, and it’s free on Canberra Day.
Monday 13 until Sunday 19 March | 21 Gladstone Street, Hall Showground | Book here.
Illuminations at Enlighten Festival
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The Australian Capital will be illuminated as part of the Enlighten Festival again this long weekend. The projections will be displayed on some of Canberra’s most recognisable buildings and will stretch across the lake, with installations in Civic Square, City Walk, and Ainslie Place. It’s sure to light up your life (get it?).
Until Sunday 13 March, from 6 pm | National Triangle | enlightencanberra.com
The Little Burley Markets
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This Saturday, visit the beautiful Little Burley Market to sample a variety of locally sourced foods and artisan products. There is truly something for everyone, from gourmet desserts to handmade jewellery and flowers! We recommend these gluten free treats…
Every Saturday, 9 am until 1:30 pm | Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | thelittleburleymarket.com.au
Pride Garden Party
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The Hyatt Hotel Canberra is celebrating Pride. Spend an afternoon in the iconic garden, savouring fresh oysters and Bloody Marys with a contemporary twist. See you there?
Saturday 11 March, 2 pm until 11:30 pm | 120 Commonwealth Ave, Canberra | Book here.
The Canberra Balloon Spectacular
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As enchanting as a Dr Seuss book, watch on as picturesque balloons fly over Canberra! We recommend going to the National Arboretum to watch them float through the early morning air (or you can read our other tips here).
Until Sunday 19 March, from 6:15 am | Patrick White Lawns, National Triangle | enlightencanberra.com
Lights! Canberra! Action!
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Question: What could be better than an outdoor movie theatre? Answer: An outdoor cinema in the Senate Rose Garden!
Watch short, pride-themed films under the stars this Friday night. Bring a chair, blanket, and picnic rug.
Friday 10 March, from 7 pm | Senate Rose Gardens, Old Parliament House | enlightencanberra.com
FreshOut Fair Day
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FreshOut is Canberra’s largest LGBTIQA+ event, and it is open to the entire community. Featuring performances by local and visiting artists, market stalls, food, and refreshments. It is the ideal day out for those looking for an all-in-one experience.
Saturday 11 March, 11 am – 5 pm | Glebe Park | freshout.au
Symphony In The Park
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Listen in as the Canberra Symphony Orchestra joins Electric Fields on stage. Enjoy a lovely evening in Commonwealth Park while listening to fantastic, family-friendly music and eating delicious food.
Sunday 12 March, 6:30 pm – 9 :30 pm | Commonwealth Park | enlightencanberra.com
